The primary purpose of BCP is to provide temporary, emergency shelter and counseling services to youth less than 18 years of age. We award community-based organizations funding to operate short-term shelters (including group home care and host family homes) and provide counseling services to youth who have run away or are experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who are not already receiving services from the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

Eligible applicants include public and non-profit private agencies and coordinated networks of such entities. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Private institutions of higher education must be non-profit entities. In selecting applicants to receive grants under this funding announcement, priority will be given to public and non-profit, private agencies that have experience in providing services to runaway, homeless, and street youth. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

Gloria Watkins Gloria.Watkins@acf.hhs.gov